Tire Size Box

215/45R16 vs 235/45R16

235/45R16 compared with 215/45R16

+3.0% diameter, +0.8" width

235/45R16 is 24.33" tall vs 23.62". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.6"16" rim3.8"8.5" wide
215/45R16 (solid) compared with 235/45R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/45R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

235/45R16 is +0.71 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/45R16235/45R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.62"24.33"+0.71"+3.0%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height3.81"4.16"+0.35"+9.3%
Circumference74.20"76.42"+2.23"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile853.9829.1−24.9−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/45R16 and you fit 235/45R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/45R16 or 235/45R16?
235/45R16 is taller by 0.71 inches (24.33" vs 23.62"). 235/45R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/45R16 with 235/45R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 235/45R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/45R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/45R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 235/45R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.35 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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